Convertible Weight Training System

ABSTRACT

A convertible weight system includes a weight having a first and a second side. The first side has a threaded extension extending outwardly. The system includes a threaded chamber adapted to receive a second threaded extension. The threaded chamber is located on the second side of the weight. The system includes at least one spring adapted to extend from a first location on the weight. The system includes a spring socket adapted to receive a second spring. The spring socket is located at a second location. A connecting mechanism that includes a threaded extension extending outwardly from a first surface. The connecting mechanism includes a threaded chamber adapted to receive a second threaded extension for application in a kettlebell, barbell or dumbbell configuration.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to exercise/fitness equipment. More particularly, the technical field relates to convertible weight/strength training systems.

BACKGROUND

A variety of weights may be used in exercise. However, transporting and purchasing different weights may be onerous, both financially and physically.

There are various systems for implementing weight training routines. Some systems use barbells which include a weighted bar and set of weighted discs connected to the bar and for which exercisers use both hands to lift the bar. Shorter barbell-like systems in which an exerciser typically uses one hand to lift the bar are commonly referred to as “dumbbells.” Weight training routines may also include the use of kettle bells or Indian clubs. Another such weight training routine, known as Circular Strength Training® utilizes the Clubbell®.

Such weight training systems, such as kettle bells or Indian clubs, feature a fixed, constant weight. Other systems, such as barbells and dumbbells, feature variable weights. Such variable weight training systems may feature removable weights to accommodate the user or the particular exercise. In some weight training systems, there are weights added to a bar wherein additional weights may be mounted on or removed from a bar by sliding weights relative to the bar securing the weights onto the extension with a clamp. Such weights are typically flat discs with a center hole. Because the bar may extend beyond the otherwise flat end of the weights, the system may not rest on a flat surface if placed on the flat side of the weights. There is a need for a weight training system with removable weights that connect in such a way that the device may be able to rest on a flat surface.

Weight training systems that feature removable weights may also use a system ad method of securing the weights to handles using threaded extensions. Yet, if any of the weights are inadvertently rotated, they risk detaching from the system. Such inadvertent detachment may risk injury to the user and/or property damage. There is a need for a weight training system with removable weights that connect in such a way that the weights may not unintentionally dislodge.

SUMMARY

The disclosed systems allow a user to reap the benefits of various free weight configurations in one configurable system. A system may include a weight having a first and a second side. The first side may have a threaded extension extending outwardly. The system may include a threaded chamber adapted to receive a second threaded extension. The threaded chamber may be located on the second side of the weight. The system may include at least one spring adapted to extend from a first location on the weight. The system may include a spring socket at a second location. The spring socket may be adapted to receive a second spring.

An aspect of the present disclosure includes the connecting mechanism between disks and between disks and a handle. The connecting mechanism may include a threaded extension extending outwardly from a first surface. The connecting mechanism may also include a threaded chamber adapted to receive a second threaded extension. The threaded chamber may be located on a second surface. The connecting mechanism may have at least one spring adapted to extend from a first location. The connecting mechanism may have a spring socket at a second location. The spring socket may be adapted to receive a second spring

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the herein described convertible weight training system are described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which provide examples. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the variations in implementing the disclosed system. However, the instant disclosure may take many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Where practical, like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one side of a weight featuring an exploded view of a threaded extension and springs.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of one side of a weight featuring a threaded extension and springs.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one side of a weight featuring a threaded chamber and spring sockets.

FIG. 3 illustrates weights mounted on a linear handle.

FIG. 4 illustrates weights mounted on a curved handle.

FIG. 5 illustrates an extension piece.

FIG. 6 illustrates an extension piece and an extension piece cover.

FIG. 7 illustrates weights mounted to a linear handle connected to an extension piece to form an Indian club configuration.

FIG. 8 illustrates weights mounted to linear handles that are connected with an extension piece to form an Indian club configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure includes a modular, configurable weight training system that may be used in a variety of exercises. For example, in one configuration, the system may emulate a barbell. In another configuration, the system may emulate a dumbbell. In yet another configuration, the system may emulate a kettle bell. And in yet another configuration, the system may emulate an Indian club. In each of the aforementioned configurations, the system may include the ability to use variable weights for each exercise and/or user.

FIG. 1A illustrates one side of a weight 100 that features a first connecting mechanism portion 110 that may include a threaded extension 120 and springs 130. The term “weight(s)” as used as a noun herein includes removable weighted discs, each weighing a particular number of pounds or kilograms. Typically, but not necessarily, each of such weighted discs may range from a pound or two up to fifty pounds or more. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular range. The shape of the weights may vary and include discs which have a round circumference or polygons comprising multiple edges around the perimeter. The weight(s) 100 described herein in FIG. 1A and other figures are exemplary only and non-limiting.

Weight 100 may be made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to steel alloy or rubber. Weight 100 may be coated in an additional material. Weight 100 may have different masses. Weight 100 may have different densities. Weight 100 may be hollow, solid or be filled with another material. Weight 100 may come in various perimeter shapes, including but not limited to hexagonal, a cylinder, or a cube. FIG. 1A provides an exemplary weight 100 that has a hexagonal parameter.

Threaded extension 120 may be a threaded protrusion. Threaded extension 120 may be any of a variety of shapes, like a cylinder. Threaded extension 120 may be fabricated of any of a number of materials, including the same material as the weight 100.

Weight 100 may include one spring 130 or a plurality of springs 130. Spring 130 may be an elastic device that may regain its original shape after being compressed or extended. Spring 130 may be a wire wound into a cylindrical or conical shape. Spring 130 could be a coil-less spring. Springs 130 may be spaced in any arrangement on the disc. Springs 130 may be spaced equidistant from each other. Springs 130 may be equidistant from threaded extension 120 or equidistant from the center of weight 100. The non-limiting example of FIG. 1A illustrates 3 such springs 130 placed symmetrically (equidistant from each other) along one side of weight 100 adjacent to threaded extension 120. Further, the distance between each spring 130 and threaded extension 120 may be the same. Springs 130 may be located in a way such that they line up with spring sockets on another device to which weight 100 may be connected. Springs 130 may be of different lengths. Springs 130 may be long enough such that they protrude from the surface of weight 100 when in a relaxed position. A relaxed position is when the spring 130 is in a state of equilibrium, neither extended nor compressed. Springs 130 may be a length such that only spring caps 132 protrude from the surface of weight 100 when in a relaxed position. Springs 130 may be made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to beryllium copper alloy or urethane.

Spring 130 may include a silo 131. Silo 131 may be composed of many types of materials, for example, steel alloy or aluminum alloy. The rigidity of silo 131 may vary from rigid to compressible. Silo 131 may be in many shapes, including cylinders or prismatic quadrilaterals. Silo 131 may include a spring cap 132. Spring cap 132 may take a variety of forms, including a ball bearing or a rounded topper. The shape or height of spring cap 132 may vary. For example, spring cap 132 may be sized such that, when silo 131 encasing spring 130 is installed in weight 100, at least a portion of spring cap 132 may extend above the surface of weight 100. This is illustrated, for example, in FIG. 1B. According to some systems, spring 130, silo 131, and spring cap 132 may be installed in weight 100 prior to sale or use, as shown in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 2 illustrates an opposite side of weight 100 with a second connecting mechanism portion 140 that may include a threaded chamber 150. Threaded chamber 150 may be configured as a female connector configured to receive a male threaded extension 120 from another weight 100 when the threads are aligned and rotated.

Threaded chamber 150 may be a threaded receptacle. Threaded chamber 150 may be shaped in a way such that it compliments and receives threaded extension 120. Threaded chamber 150 may be fabricated of any of a variety of materials.

Second connecting mechanism portion 140 may also include a spring socket 160, which may be configured to receive spring 130 from another weight 100. Second connecting mechanism portion 140 may include more than one spring socket 160. Spring sockets 160 may be arranged in a variety of configurations such that they may align with springs 130. Spring sockets 160 may be arranged equidistant from each other, from threaded chamber 150, or from the center of weight 100. Spring socket 160 may be a receptacle. Spring socket 160 may be adapted to compliment and receive spring 130. Spring socket 160 may be made of any of a variety of materials, including steel or aluminum. The second mechanism portion 140 bay be flat with respect to the surrounding surface of weight 100.

First connecting mechanism portion 110 of a first weight 100 and the second connecting mechanism portion 140 of a second weight 100 together may function to attach two pieces of the weight training system. Permutations of components on both first connecting mechanism portion 110 and second connecting mechanism portion 140 such that the components of the first connecting mechanism correspond to the components of the second connecting mechanism portion 140 are possible. For example, first connecting mechanism portion 110 may have threaded extension 120 and spring sockets 160. Second connecting mechanism portion 140 may have threaded chamber 150 and springs 130. Alternatively, second connecting mechanism portion 140 may include threaded chamber 150, springs 130, spring sockets 160. First connecting mechanism portion 110 may include threaded extension 120, springs 130, and spring sockets 160, where the spring sockets 160 each piece are arranged to receive the springs 130 of second connecting mechanism portion 140. For example, weight 100 may have first connecting mechanism portion 110 that includes threaded extension 120 and spring sockets 160.

With respect to FIG. 3, linear handle 170 may have second connecting mechanism portion 140 that includes threaded chamber 150 and springs 130. Weight 100 may be attached to linear handle 170 when threaded chamber 150 of linear handle 170 receives threaded extension 120 of weight 100 and while spring sockets 160 of weight 100 simultaneously receive springs 130 of linear handle 170. Connecting weights 100 on either end of handle 170 may form a dumbbell apparatus intended for one-handed lifting exercises. A longer linear handle 170 may be used to form a barbell apparatus intended for two-handed lifting exercises.

With reference to FIG. 4, a user of the weight training system may wish to attach weight(s) 100 to kettlebell handle 180. Weight(s) 100 may have a first connecting mechanism portion 110 that includes threaded extension 120 and springs 130. Kettlebell handle 180 may have second connecting mechanism portion 140 that includes threaded chamber 150 and spring sockets 160. The user may attach weight(s) 100 to kettlebell handle 180 by inserting the top of threaded extension 120 into threaded chamber 150 such that the threads interlace and by twisting until spring sockets 160 receive springs 130. The user may attach weight 100 and kettlebell handle 180 by applying a rotational force to at least one of weight 100 or kettlebell handle 180. The user may want to detach weight 100 from kettlebell handle 180. The user may detach weight 100 from kettlebell handle 180 by rotating and compressing at least one of weight 100 or kettlebell handle 180. Weight 100 may detach from kettlebell handle 180 when springs 130 dissociate from spring sockets 160 and threaded extension 120 exits threaded chamber 150.

FIG. 3 illustrates a linear handle 170 with weights 100 attached to each end. Linear handle 170 can come in a variety of forms, including a dumbbell handle, a barbell handle, a trap bar handle, a cambered bar handle, a Swiss bar handle, a curl bar handle or EZ-bar handle, an Indian club handle, or any bar handle with ends that are parallel. Linear handle 170 may have first connecting mechanism portion 110 on the end. First connecting mechanism portion 110 may include a threaded extension 120 and springs 130. Linear handle 170 may be made of a variety of materials, including steel or aluminum. Linear handle 170 may be any of a variety of sizes, lengths, or widths. Linear handle 170 may come in different shapes, such as rounded or quadrilateral. Linear handle 170 may be of different masses. Linear handle 170 may be of different densities. Linear handle 170 may be hollow or solid. Linear handle 170 may include a grip. Linear handle 170 may be coated in another material.

FIG. 4 illustrates a kettlebell handle 180 that may have a first end 181 and a second end 182 connected to weights 100. Kettlebell handle 180 can be in one of many different forms. Kettlebell handle 180 may be a curved handle with sides that are symmetrical about the center. Kettlebell handle 180 may have two ends 181, 182 that are coplanar and connect to weights 100. Kettlebell handle 180 may be a shaped like a loop that tapers at the center and extends into one end that connects to weights 100. Kettlebell handle 180 can be made from a variety of materials and can include a grip. End 181 may connect to weights 100 with first connecting mechanism portion 110 that may include threaded extension 120, threaded chamber 150, springs 130, and spring sockets 160 to receive springs 130. Kettlebell handle 180 may be of different masses. Kettlebell handle 180 may be of different densities. Kettlebell handle 180 may be hollow or solid. Kettlebell handle 180 may assume different shapes, such as rounded or quadrilateral. Kettlebell handle 180 may be of a variety of sizes, widths, or lengths.

FIG. 5 illustrates an extension piece 190. Extension piece 190 may have at least one end 200. End 200 may connect to weight 100, linear handle 170, kettlebell handle 180, or an extension piece cover 300 with first connecting mechanism portion 110 which may include threaded extension 120. Extension piece 190 may be made of a variety of materials, including plastic or aluminum. Extension piece 190 may have different masses. The use of extension piece 190 will be discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 8

FIG. 6 illustrates an extension piece cover 300. Extension piece cover 300 may have an end 301 that connects to extension piece 190 to form an end cap 310. Extension piece cover 300 may be made of any of a variety of materials, such as steel or aluminum. Extension piece cover 300 can be in any of a variety of shapes. Extension piece cover 300 may connect to extension piece 190 with first connecting mechanism portion 110 which may include threaded extension 120, threaded chamber 150, springs 130, or spring sockets 160.

FIG. 7 illustrates a linear handle 170 that may be connected to weights 100 and an end cap 310 to form an Indian club configuration. Linear handle 170, weights 100, and end cap 310 may connect with first connecting mechanism portion 110 which may include a threaded extension 120, or with second connecting mechanism portion 140 which may include springs 130.

FIG. 8 illustrates linear handles 170 that may be connected with an extension piece 190 to form a compound linear handle 320. More than two linear handles 170 can be connected with extension piece 190. Compound linear handle 320 may be connected to an end cap 310 and to weights 100. Linear handles 170, extension piece 190, and weights 100 may be connected with first connecting mechanism portion 110 which may include a threaded extension 120, springs 130, or spring sockets 160 or with second connecting mechanism portion 140 which may include a threaded chamber 150, springs 130, or spring sockets 160.

While the weights, handles, and connecting mechanisms has been described in connection with the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar arrangements can be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described embodiment for performing the same types of functionality without deviating therefrom. For example, one skilled in the art will recognize that multiple combinations of weights 100 with one or more handles may be used. Therefore, the system should not be limited to any single example, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. A system comprising a weight having a first side and second side, the weight comprising: a threaded extension extending outwardly from the first side of the weight; a threaded chamber adapted to receive a second threaded extension, the threaded chamber located on the second side of the weight; at least one spring adapted to extend from a first location on the weight; and a spring socket at a second location, the spring socket adapted to receive a second spring.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the weight has a hexagonal perimeter.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring is encased in a silo.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the silo further comprises a spring cap.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring is a plurality of springs and each of the plurality of springs is equidistant from the threaded extension.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein a height of the threaded extension is greater than a height of the at least one spring when the at least one spring is in a relaxed position.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first location on the weight is on the first side of the weight; and the second location on the weight is on the second side of the weight.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first location is on the second side of the weight and the second location is on the first side of the weight.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a handle having a second threaded chamber on a first end of the handle, the handle adapted to engage with the threaded chamber; and disengage from the weight in response to an application of a force having a rotational and a longitudinal component.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the handle forms a kettlebell handle.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the handle is linear and forms one of a dumbbell, barbell and Indian club handle.
 12. The system of claim 9, further comprising an extension piece having a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a third threaded extension adapted to connect to the first end of the handle.
 13. The system of claim 9, further comprising an end cap, having a third threaded extension adapted to connect to the first end of handle.
 14. A connecting mechanism for a weight comprising: a threaded extension extending outwardly from a first surface; a threaded chamber adapted to receive a second threaded extension, the threaded chamber located on a second surface; at least one spring adapted to extend from a first location; and a spring socket at a second location, the spring socket adapted to receive a second spring.
 15. The connecting mechanism of claim 14, wherein the at least one spring is encased in a silo.
 16. The connecting mechanism of claim 15, wherein the silo further comprises a spring cap.
 17. The connecting mechanism of claim 14, wherein the at least one spring is a plurality of springs.
 18. The connecting mechanism of claim 14, wherein a height of the threaded extension is greater than a height of the at least one spring when the spring is in a relaxed position.
 19. The connecting mechanism of claim 14, wherein the first location is on the first surface of the weight and the second location is on the second surface of the weight.
 20. The connecting mechanism of claim 14, wherein the first location is on the second surface of the weight and the second location is on the first surface weight. 